America’s leading buffet aims to surpass $20 million to help send military children to free summer camp
As part of its ongoing commitment to the military community, Golden Corral will launch its 15th annual Camp Corral fundraising campaign on March 2, with this year’s goal of raising $1 million by May 10, 2026 to send thousands of military children to camp at no cost to their families.
Camp Corral is a national nonprofit organization that provides one-week summer camp programs for children ages 8 to 15 of wounded, ill, and fallen service members. Through structured enrichment activities and peer connection, Camp Corral creates a safe space designed to build resilience, independence, and community. Golden Corral is a founding partner of the nonprofit.
Since its founding in 2011, the organization has served more than 38,000 military children nationwide. To date, Golden Corral and its guests have raised more than $19 million in support of the program. In 2025 alone, in partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), more than $1.9 million was raised — covering the cost of camp for over 1,500 military children.
This summer, Camp Corral will host 23 camp sessions across 19 states with life-changing experiences developed to allow military kids to be kids, away from the stresses and unique challenges of military life. Nearly 78% of parents report lasting, positive changes in their children following participation, including stronger coping skills and increased self-confidence.
“Every child deserves the chance to simply be a kid, especially those who carry the weight of a parent’s service and sacrifice,” said Phil Kowalczyk, CEO of Camp Corral. “With Golden Corral’s continued collaboration and generosity of guests across the country, we are able to create meaningful peer connections and show military families that their sacrifices are recognized and valued.”
All Golden Corral restaurants are participating in the fundraiser, and guests can support Camp Corral in the restaurants or online at CampCorral.org. In their local restaurants, guests can purchase Donation Stars for $1, $5, or $10, round up their check at the register, or scan a QR code to contribute. Select locations will also offer T-shirts and baked goods to raise money for Camp Corral.
The restaurant’s dedication to the armed forces community spans more than 25 years. Since 2001, the brand has hosted its annual Military Appreciation Night, providing more than 6.8 million complimentary “Thank You” meals to current service members, veterans, and retirees, and raising more than $21 million for local DAV chapters. In 2025, Golden Corral also launched a partnership with Project Healing Waters to support the physical and emotional rehabilitation of veterans and active-duty service members through fly fishing programs.
“Honoring our military heroes and the families who stand beside them is deeply rooted in who we are as a brand,” said Lance Trenary, President and CEO of Golden Corral. “Through Camp Corral and the generosity of our guests, franchisees, and Golden Corral Corporation, we are honored to create meaningful moments and life-changing weeks for even more deserving children in 2026.”
For more information about attending camp or donating directly, visit CampCorral.org. To find a nearby Golden Corral, visit GoldenCorral.com/locations or order online at GoldenCorral.com/order-online.